Noam Chomsky

Lawrence Krauss talks with Noam Chomsky about American exceptionalism, foreign policy, North Korea, Brazil, free speech, and Donald Trump. They discuss anti-intellectualism, Vietnam War, China-US trade relationship, Trump's tactics, missile defense, religion in politics, nuclear weapons, Brazil's recent history, and balancing popular and scientific writing.

In this engaging conversation, Noam Chomsky, the renowned linguist and political activist, dives deep into Vladimir Putin's motivations and the war in Ukraine. He critiques the Western response to NATO’s expansion, shedding light on propaganda's role in shaping public perception. Chomsky also explores the precarious U.S.-China relations and warns of the potential for catastrophic conflicts. He emphasizes the necessity for the U.S. to prioritize global issues like climate change, advocating for a more responsible role in international affairs.

As we near the end of 2021, we turn to Noam Chomsky. The renowned linguist, historian, and social critic helps us unpack President Biden’s response to the Omicron variant (2:17), our distorted view of personal freedom (6:43), what the new infrastructure bill actually means for communities of color (14:32), the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict (18:01), the state of the GOP (21:23), how Critical Race Theory is a “cover-term” for Christian nationalists (24:28), and what we can actually learn from the 1930s America (28:34).Before we go, he reflects on recently turning 93 (29:55), the night he played in a band (32:23), and how the “bicycle theory” is, perhaps, our only hope in the years ahead (33:31). Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this captivating discussion, Prof. Noam Chomsky, the father of modern linguistics and a towering intellectual, shares insights on the evolution of language and cognition. He critiques misconceptions about his work while exploring the boundaries between AI and human understanding. The conversation delves into the significance of probabilistic methods in neural networks and the innate aspects of language acquisition. Chomsky also reflects on the philosophical challenges surrounding determinism and free will, emphasizing the complexities of thought and communication.

Noam Chomsky, a Professor emeritus at MIT and a towering figure in linguistics and political thought, dives into the essence of language and its ties to freedom, echoing Wilhelm von Humboldt's views. He critiques modern takes on language models and discusses humanity’s capacity for communication. Chomsky reflects on optimism amidst geopolitical crises, the legacy of left libertarian movements, and the differing paths of Nicaragua and Cuba. He also shares personal regrets over inaction during pivotal historical events, highlighting the importance of timely social engagement.

Noam Chomsky, a towering figure in linguistics and philosophy, discusses the profound connections between language and cognition. He explores the intriguing idea of communicating with extraterrestrial beings, the brain's role in language, and the limits of human thought. The conversation also highlights the promise and pitfalls of deep learning in understanding language and touches on deep questions about good, evil, mortality, and the meaning of life itself. Chomsky's insights make for an intellectually stimulating dialogue that provokes reflection and curiosity.

In this insightful conversation, Noam Chomsky, a pivotal figure in linguistics known for his groundbreaking theories on generative grammar, reflects on the emergence of this revolutionary framework. He critiques the behaviorist approach and explores key psychological experiments that reshaped cognitive theories. Chomsky shares intriguing anecdotes from his early academic journey, exchanging political influences for educational choices, alongside personal stories that reveal his relationships in academia. The discussion highlights the cultural shifts that fostered modern linguistic thought.

Welcome to episode #126 of Eye on AI with Craig Smith and Noam Chomsky. Are neural nets the key to understanding the human brain and language acquisition? In this conversation with renowned linguist and cognitive scientist Noam Chomsky, we delve into the limitations of large language models and the ongoing quest to uncover the mysteries of the human mind. Together, we explore the historical development of research in this field, from Minsky’s thesis to Jeff Hinton’s goals for understanding the brain. We also discuss the potential harms and benefits of large language models, comparing them to the internal combustion engine and its differences from a gazelle running. We tackle the difficult task of studying the neurophysiology of human cognition and the ethical implications of invasive experiments. As we consider language as a natural object, we discuss the works of notable figures such as Albert Einstein, Galileo, Leibniz, and Turing, and the similarities between language and biology. We even entertain the possibility of extraterrestrial language and communication. Join us on this thought-provoking journey as we explore the intricacies of language, the brain, and our place in the cosmos. (00:00) Preview (00:43) Introduction (01:54) Noam Chomsky’s neural net ideology & criticisms  (6:58) Jeff Hinton & Noam Chomsky’s: How the brain works (10:05) Correlation between neural nets and the brain (11:11) Noam Chomsky’s reaction to Chat-GPT & LLMs (15:21) Exploring the mechanisms of the brain (19:00) What do we learn from chatbots? (22:30) What are impossible languages? (26:45) Generative AI doesn’t show true intelligence? (28:40) Is there a danger of AI becoming too intelligent? (31:30) Can AI language models become sentient? (36:40) Turing machine and neural nets experimentations (42:40) Non-evasive procedures for understanding the brain (45:54) Does Noam Chomsky still work on understanding the brain? (49:33) Is Noam Chomsky excited about the future of neural nets? (55:30) Albert Einstein and Galileo’s principles (55:40) Is there an extraterrestrial language model? Craig Smith Twitter: https://twitter.com/craigss Eye on A.I. Twitter: https://twitter.com/EyeOn_AI

In a thought-provoking conversation, Noam Chomsky, professor emeritus of linguistics and a vocal critic of U.S. foreign policy, joins Yascha Mounk to delve into pressing issues. They explore the theory of universal grammar and how it relates to our understanding of language and cognition. Chomsky critiques identity politics within the left, emphasizing the need for unity in struggles against systemic oppression. The discussion also tackles the intricacies of free speech and cancel culture, and Chomsky addresses the ethical challenges posed by China's rise and U.S. foreign policies.

Noam Chomsky, linguistique émérite et critique engagé, explore des enjeux contemporains cruciaux. Il aborde la manipulation médiatique en dénonçant des techniques de propagande sophistiquées. Sa vision sur l'éducation révèle des liens entre langue, créativité et autorité illégitime. Chomsky s'inquiète des crises écologiques et géopolitiques, tout en promettant un avenir meilleur par l'engagement collectif. À 93 ans, il prône toujours l'importance de la résistance face aux abus de pouvoir et l'importance d'une pensée critique.